Engraved by the Sun was published in 2005 as an art calendar reinterpreting the visual legacy of Persepolis through digital photomontage This collection moves beyond historical documentation engaging in a visual dialogue between ancient reliefs and contemporary digital imagery merging time carved inscriptions with modern visual language
Light as an Engraver
The architecture and reliefs of Persepolis reflect a fusion of power concision and symbolic abstraction a visual language where history unfolds through geometric patterns and intricate carvings This collection revisits these historical markers weaving them into a digital framework allowing history to emerge as a fluid and evolving narrative
Reinterpreting Eroded Reliefs
Light and shadow in Persepolis carvings serve a purpose beyond aesthetics they act as timekeepers subtly engraving the passage of centuries upon stone The sun itself becomes a symbolic engraver shaping both form and meaning Through digital photomontage this concept is emphasized enhancing the surreal dimension of its visual elements particularly the hybrid sphinxes guarding the Gate of Nations These reliefs rather than being static artifacts transform into layers of visual memory continuously evolving over time
Merging Antiquity with Digital Innovation
Rather than adhering to conventional earthy tones this collection embraces color palettes inspired by imagination and dreamscapes By intertwining organic and geometric forms it bridges historical continuity with contemporary visual expression ensuring that Persepolis is viewed not as a distant relic but as a living artistic entity
Beyond Graphic Design Applications:
At the time of its creation digital art in Iran was primarily limited to graphic applications rather than historical reinterpretation Engraved by the Sun defied this trend positioning photomontage as a method for rediscovering visual heritage allowing ancient reliefs to be seen through a modern artistic lens
Bridging Past and Future:
This collection does not seek to replace historical narratives but instead merges classical engraving techniques with digital layering facilitating a dialogue between past and future where Persepolis emerges not as a frozen monument but as an active and interpretive space within contemporary art
The Persistence of Engraved Memory:
Twenty years after its creation Engraved by the Sun remains relevant in both artistic and technological contexts demonstrating that digital art is not merely a fleeting technique but a tool for continuously reexamining visual history a narrative that remains open for reinterpretation .